Latest News/Event
Selection Policy for HK 29er Team to ISAF Youth Worlds 2012 Enter by 15 March
HK 29er Nationals NoR & Entry Enter by 12 March
Master's / Cadet Champs / Oppie Champs NoR download
Master's / Cadet Champs / Oppie Champs Notice to Competitors 1 download
Master's / Cadet Champs / Oppie Champs Results download
Sailing Calendar (updated on 16 December 2011)
The 2011 sailing season started explosively for the youth sailing class with more going on than ever before. There is so much available this year - something for everyone – all the time! Just have a look on the training part of the website and see what appeals to you, there are various courses, ongoing training after school and weekends and a variety of options for the holiday periods.
Sometimes it’s helpful to know a little more than is listed about a particular event, course or form of training on order to decide if it is the one for you and whether it appeals to you or not. If you ever have specific questions or would like a more in depth break down just send me and email and I’ll come back to you with some answers. If I don’t know the answers, I’ll find out for you. My name is Sue and you can contact me on sue.tulloch@hotmail.com
The RHKC youth racing team,’ The Sharks’ have just sailed in the 24hr charity race at Hebe Haven, her is a brief informal write up...
Latest News
Asian 15th Sailing Championships, Langkawi – Blog style report by Sue Tulloch – RHKYC Youth Sailing Class Chairman
Results: http://sites.google.com/site/kedahsail/
More photos https://www.facebook.com/RHKYCSharks
Saturday 25 February
Last Day Racing
The sailors have arrived for an early morning start but as yet there is no wind.
The launching ramp and boat park are full of rigged boats waiting to launch. At 10.30am the AP flag is hoisted and still there is no sign of wind. At 11.20am the wind makes and appearance, the AP flag is lowered, and sailors begin to launch their boats for the last race of the Championship.
It is almost noon as the final race begins, it has the same ingredients as many of the other races with shifting wind and a very strong current. The wind levels off a few times but never disappears completely, every one sails hard to achieve the best possible finish they can, and then the race and the championship are over.
All team members now help to de-rig the boats, wash the equipment and pack the containers ready for shipping to Hong Kong. It’s a very hot day and we all work together under the direction of Akam and Fajai without stopping until the job is completed.
Next is the Awards Ceremony where Hong Kong receive 9 medals for a variety of classes (including windsurfing and Hobie 16), we’ve all had a great time and really learned so much that will be useful to build on for the future, and the team spirit in the Hong Kong camp has been fantastic with everyone helping each other, where ever necessary, with out question.
Friday 24 February 2012
5th day Racing
Today we started early, as we needed to fit in a race before returning to the shore at lunchtime to allow Muslim competitors to attend Friday lunchtime prayers. Once out on the water the wind came, went and shifted then leveled off enough to begin the race, which continued once again with the challenge of very strong current.
After the break, the competitors were back out on the water for a 3pm start. The race started shortly after but the strong current was threatening to push many of the boats over the start line, there was much jostling and shouting as the competitors tried to hold their places on the start line but far too many went over and the start was abandoned. Just before the race started for a second time the tide turned and the current changed direction, this time the start was clear and the wind fairly steady. Half way through the race the wind disappeared completely and again the race was abandoned.
After the wind returned the course was reset and the race once again began, this time the start was clear and the race proceeded through to the end amid shifting wind. It was 7pm by the time we made it back to the shore and every one was exhausted after a long day racing and a very hot day on the water.
In Hong Kong we are used to this heat but not the extreme wind shifts and very strong current, it is such a steep learning curve for all our competitors and they are coping with it extremely well.
Thursday 23 February 2012
4th day racing
Today the racing started promptly with the first race set for 11am. The wind started at a reasonable level and became lighter on the way out to the course then came back again. We had one AP due to a very strong current pushing half the boats over the start line, then the racing began.
It was a difficult race with wind shifts leaving some sailors completely with out wind and consequently with out the opportunity to make good and catch up. The current was very strong and this combined with the ever-shifting wind made for challenging circumstances.
There was a break after the sailors crossed the finish line in the hope that the wind steady. The race officer and his team reset the course and the competitors were once again racing, by now the current had changed direction and was slightly less strong than in the previous race. Shortly after all the boats crossed the start line the wind once again shifted dramatically leaving all those sailors whom had taken any thing other than the conservative middle road in quite a difficult situation, once again out on a limb – without wind!
Emotions were high as we came ashore – some sailors were jubilant whilst others were crestfallen. The sailors de-rigged and prepared their boats for the next day’s sailing before de-briefing with their coaches.
We now have four races to go before the end of the Championship and all the competitors are looking to achieve the best results they can…..
Tuesday 21 February 2012
3rd day racing
Tuesday morning 10am and launching begins for an 11am start, today there is no delay we have sufficient wind to race.
Out on the race course the wind is shifting with the tide coming from behind, and there are two AP’s before a third successful start. The wind shifts several times during the course of the race.
The race team are busy setting a new course and moving the marks as soon as the competitors finish the first race.
Laser 4.7s, 29ers and Optimists are all sailing on the same trapezoid course with Optimists on the inner loop and 29ers and Laser 4.7s on the outer loop, so the race offer and his team have quite a challenge.
The second race begins after one AP and continues with small shifts throughout. At the end of the race the sailors come ashore having completed two races giving them a total of seven races completed.
The 420’s come ashore and then go out again, the wind died on their race course and then picked up again later, they needed to complete one more race to bring them up to seven. All the competitors have a lay day tomorrow which is very welcome, to relax mend broken equipment, and catch up on some sleep.
We have Clara Krantz and Jacqueline Truhol in a 420 taking part in their first Championship together, the learning curve is steep and they are holding their own and completing all the races are currently in 9th place– well done girls. Also Sophie Tulloch is competing in an Optimist and is currently 11th girl against some very tough competition – good job Sophie – well done.
The entire Hong Kong team has some good results, and with five races to go there’s everything to sail for!
Monday 20 February 2012
2nd Racing Day
Today again started with light winds, we were all on the ramp ready to go and a postponement flag went up. Another hour or so later and the wind was suddenly blowing enthusiastically, the flag dropped and we launched without further ado.
The wind kept shifting and the race team had to move the marks a couple of times, it was a long start line with almost all the competitors within a quarter of the line at the favored pin end, so with getting away with a good start uppermost on everyone’s minds the race began. It was a challenging racing where wind went from high to low with just enough wind to finish the race.
We waited on the water to begin the 2nd race whilst the wind evaded us, and at 2.30pm the wind suddenly appeared. The race officer started and abandoned the race twice due to wind shifts and large amounts of the fleet being over the line, before a third successful start.
It was an interesting race with wind shifts, strong current and a turning tide, and certainly one that pushed our sailors to their limits as they constantly re-evaluated their race plans and strategies. To have the opportunity to be faced with such difficult and different racing conditions can only be a good thing for our sailors, as they then have to meet the conditions head on and work out how to get the very best from them and the continually changing circumstances – a great learning opportunity for all.
At the end of the day we trailed home tired, some sailors feeling jubilant, others very low….with the help of Kam and Fajai two of the coaches for the Hong Kong team we debrief and evaluate the day’s racing, taking apart strategy and putting it back together again step by step.
Today’s already over – there’s nothing that can be changed now – tomorrow’s another day……
Sunday 19 February 2012
1st Official Racing Day
There are 269 sailors attending from 24 nations, made up of the top two ranking boys and girls (or boats in the case of a double handed boat) for each class of each country.
It’s been raining heavily with lightening overnight but this morning it’s clear and dry with some clouds over head. Everyone’s taking of their boat covers and preparing for the day’s racing ahead. Music gently emanates over the boat park and the sailors find shade to rig their sails in as the sun starts to beat down.
The 11am start time comes and goes with a postponement flag as the wind hasn’t kicked in yet and it’s far to light to sail in.
We have Bryan Willis as our head Juror for the protest committee/jury, which is good news. Bryan is an experienced and very sensible Olympic Games Juror who will deal fairly and decisively with all protests lodged of which I’m sure there will be a few during the course of the Championship.
At around 1.30 the wind suddenly kicks in literally as though a switch has been turned, the postponement is lifted and it’s time to go.
One the water we get one race in very quickly, then there are a couple of AP’s due to extreme wind shift and then the wind completely vanishing. Our Race Officer is hopeful of the wind returning and we bide our time on the water, and it has been worth the wait, the wind return again and we manage another two races before heading back to the venue. It’s now after 7pm and it’s been a long day, the sailors wash their boats and take down their sails, it’s 7.30pm now and we all need to stretch, shower, eat and sleep. Still no final results as there are one or two protest in process. Time to go…..more tomorrow….
18 February 2012
It’s Saturday morning (18th Feb) we are at the Asian 15th Sailing Championships in Lang Kawi and competitors are arriving for the Hong Kong team meeting. The sun is on the water, a mere whisper of wind is blowing and the venue is coming alive as everyone takes off their boat covers and starts to check over their boats. It’s been a busy few days setting up our area, the boat containers have become our storage and office area, and everyone has gone through the process of registering with all boats being weighed, measured and rigged with bow numbers applied to each.
So far each day has started with run training led by Akam followed by a swift shower and breakfast. Our team leader Warwick Downs has been communicating and coordinating registrations, sail and bow numbers and changes and adjustments to sailing instructions and courses, which have kept him busy from sunrise to sunset!
Each day starts with the lightest of winds, they gather a little momentum by 11.30 – noon and by 2pm we are usually looking at 10 knots with 20 degree wind shifts, so quite a challenge for all, especially when the wind dropped and competitor’s had to make their way in. Once everyone had made it ashore, the wind of course picked up again – how frustrating!
A competitor’s ‘Greeting Meeting’ takes place at 11am where we are introduced to all the officials then final boat preparations are made. Today we have one practice race, which is great for seeing how the wind works in real terms on the water, when combined with the tide and strong current.
Everyone packs up ready for the opening ceremony followed by dinner. After everyone’s preparations leading up to this moment – we’re on. The Championship has started, and there’s tangible excitement in the air.
More tomorrow….. Sue Tulloch Youth Sailing Class Chairman
HK Optimist Nationals 2011
Congratulations to all the sharks who represented the RHKYC.
The Team! Winners included Ferdinand Heldman (3rd under 12), Milo Walshe (1st Novice) and Sophie Tulloch (winner of the Coaches Trophy)
Photos on Facebook
Final HK 2011 Nationals Results
HK Rankings after 2011 Nationals
First day of the Optimist National Championships
Wednesday 5 October was our first day of the Optimist National Championships held at Heber haven Yacht Club in Sai Kung. The weather conditions and wind were challenging but it didn’t put our youth sailors off, they started the championships with determination and great skill. This was the first day of three and we have six or seven more races to complete the championships, with two full days to go there is still everything to race for........... and as we all know it’s never over until the last race has finished.
Sophie Tulloch is currently coming 6th with several members of the RHKYC SHARKS youth racing team in the top half of the fleet, come back to the website and we’ll keep you updated throughout the championships!
COME ON THE SHARKS....COME ON THE SHARKS.....COME ON THE SHARKS......COME ON THE SHARKS
Photos on Facebook
Results after day one
Next event on the agenda – Optimist National Championships
Wednesday 5, Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 October
We have a team from RHKYC entering the National Championships for which we expect 30 entries. Our sailors are ready for the event and have been training hard against very stiff competition. We wish them all the best of luck and as their coaches Nick Hollis and Richard Knight always say – “leave nothing to chance, control all the variables you can – and don’t worry about the things that are out of your hands.
• Be well prepared
• Get plenty of sleep
• Follow an appropriate exercise regime – as recommended by your coach
• Eat well – be nutritionally prepared
• Make sure your boat is rigged to obtain optimum performance
• Sail in that area before race day – if possible
• Make sure your hydration is adequate
• Have the appropriate clothing for the weather conditions that day
• Leave plenty of time to get to the venue
• Check the weather forecast
Be as well prepared as you possibly can Mentally and Physically
24 Hour Hebe Haven Charity Race
It was 1300hrson Saturday and people were dashing around putting the finishing rigging touches to their team boats, getting changed into team shirts and in many cases fancy dress, the music from the quayside was gently pumping and the atmosphere was starting to build. We hadn’t started yet and it was already exciting.
The Sharks territory was already marked out by a large blue gazebo on the pontoon, and there was such a feeling of expectation as Sophie Tulloch and Keira Early launched as first shift in the RS Feva and Jaimen Early and Daniel Mc Cool launched as first shift in the 200.
The air was electric, everyone had been looking forward to this 24hr charity event and now it was here. The two RHKYC speciality coaches Nick Hollis and Richard Knight ran the ‘Sharks’ team in true spirit, indeed Nick was dressed as a Shark and was among good company with Isabel as a monkey, Florrie as a penguin, Scarlet as a ladybird, Aymeric as a blue donkey, Oli as a rooster and Henry as a scantily clad tiger just to mention a few. The team spirit was strong and at the end of the event everyone went home, exhausted, hungry and very happy with a feeling of great belonging.
Here are some of the comments collected from several of the youth sailing team throughout the day and night:
Sophie – Lots of pressure because I’m in the first shift, but I can’t wait.
Keira – So nervous as we are first out, but I’m looking forward to all the fun.
Jaimen- I’, glad I’m back from boarding school to sail, I wouldn’t miss it.
Isabel – it was very windy and gusty after the first couple of hours then the wind dropped in the night, suddenly a lap that had taken about 12 or 13 minutes was now taking 1 hour 20 minutes.
Henry- Our tails was hanging over the side of the boat but we still managed to overtake a boat or two in the dark
Florrie – I loved it all on and off the water, I’ve been with my friends and team mates, made new friends and re-met new friends I made last year.
Aymeric- I’m so tired but it’s worth it, there’s such great team spirit here.
Dolph- This is my first time sailing in this race and sailing at night, it’s strange feeling the wind without being able to see it.
Max- I really liked this race and would definitely do it again.
Ferdi – We all cheered each other on sailing and then hung out together and even slept a bit in the van. We were a team, everyone shared their food.
Sophie Tulloch and Kyra Early getting ready to take the first shift in an RS Feva
Part of the team in fancy dress having fun on the quay side
Max Green getting in to the spirit of things with his fist ever 24 hr race
YOUTH SAILING CLASS COMMITTEE
We have a youth sailing class committee to make sure the voice of our youth sailors is heard throughout the club. The youth sailors of today are our sailors and club members of the future. We meet every month to discuss everything to with and all matters that touch on youth sailing and the committee is made up entirely of rhkyc youth sailors with one exception which is the Chairman.
The YSCC members are
• Campbell Manzoni
• Isabel Tulloch
• Oliver Englehart
• Florrie Manzoni
• Henry Salmon
• Sue Tulloch – Chairman
If there is a matter , suggestion or thought you would like us to look at please email any one of us c/o sue.tulloch@hotmail.com and we will discuss the matter in our next meeting and respond to you with our thoughts.